> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://pixelbot-docs.gitbook.io/pixelbot/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://pixelbot-docs.gitbook.io/pixelbot/configuration/telegram.md).

# 5. Telegram

Control the bot from your phone and get notifications when something important happens. Set it up in **Settings → Telegram**.

***

## What you get

| Feature                 | What it does                                                                               |
| ----------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| 📩 **Notifications**    | Get pinged when the character dies, needs repair, needs to store, or something goes wrong. |
| 🎛️ **Remote commands** | Start, stop, and check the bot right from Telegram.                                        |
| 🔌 **Test buttons**     | One click to check the setup is working.                                                   |

***

## 1. Create a Telegram bot

1. Open Telegram and chat with [@BotFather](https://t.me/BotFather).
2. Send `/newbot` and follow the prompts — pick a name and a username.
3. BotFather gives you a **token** (a long string of letters and numbers). Copy it.

> ⚠️ Treat the token like a password — anyone with it can send messages as your bot.

## 2. Link it to the bot app

1. Open a chat with your new bot and send `/start` to it. This is required.
2. In **Settings → Telegram**, paste the token in the **Bot Token** field.
3. Click **Detect Chat ID**. The app finds the chat automatically and fills it in.

> If it says *"No messages found"*, you forgot to send `/start` to your bot first. Do it and try again.

## 3. Pick what to get notified about

Toggle the events you care about:

| Event              | When you get a message            |
| ------------------ | --------------------------------- |
| **Repair needed**  | Gear is about to break.           |
| **Storage needed** | Inventory is full.                |
| **Player died**    | Your character died.              |
| **Bot stopped**    | The bot turned off.               |
| **Bot error**      | Something went wrong.             |
| **Bot started**    | Useful if you start it remotely.  |
| **Loop completed** | A full run of the route finished. |

## 4. Test it

1. Click **Test Connection** — checks the token is valid.
2. Click **Send Test Message** — you should get a message on Telegram within a second.

***

## Remote commands

Turn on **Remote commands** to control the bot from Telegram:

| Command   | What it does                                                     |
| --------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `/start`  | Starts the bot with whatever spot and rotation you had selected. |
| `/stop`   | Stops the bot.                                                   |
| `/status` | Tells you if the bot is running, idle, or in an error state.     |

> 💡 Only the chat you linked works. Other people messaging your bot get no reply.

> ⚠️ `/start` uses the **last spot and rotation you selected** in the app. You can't pick a different route from Telegram — open the app for that.

***

## Troubleshooting

| Problem                        | What to do                                                                        |
| ------------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| "Detect Chat ID" finds nothing | Send `/start` to your bot from Telegram and try again.                            |
| Test message never arrives     | Make sure the bot isn't muted or blocked in Telegram, and double-check the token. |
| Remote `/start` does nothing   | Turn on **Remote commands** in the settings.                                      |
| Too many messages              | Turn off the events you don't care about.                                         |
| Says the token is invalid      | Ask BotFather for a new token and paste it again.                                 |

***

## Need Help?

Join our [Discord](https://discord.gg/3pMUfYXjra) for support.